Village at the Harbor

Village at the Harbor sits at 543 Spring Street in Friday Harbor, Washington, and folks around here know it's one of those smaller, more personal senior living communities where everyone usually knows your name and the staff see to your care like neighbors do for each other, which is a nice thing for those who've spent a lifetime on San Juan Island and want to stay close to home while getting some help. Evan Perrollaz continues as administrator since the place became part of San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1, and the community's run under this local ownership with the same caring approach, focusing on keeping San Juan Islanders supported and comfortable in their later years. The community has thirty-six licensed and WHCA beds, offering both assisted living and independent living, and even adds a bit of extra care with memory care and resources for long-term residents, so seniors don't have to move if they need more help as time goes by, and that helps a lot of folks have peace of mind. Staff and caregivers are there around the clock, with nursing help and live-in support, and the small size means care can be tailored to each person's needs. There are spacious apartments for living, with a bright common area, a lovely courtyard for fresh air, and regular arts and crafts, social activities, and a community board that lists the week's meals and events, all of which give the place some life and routine, besides the restaurant-style dining and gourmet meals that many residents look forward to, even if it's just a simple lunch with friends. Residents can join in the Frontier's Spark Lifestyle Program, which is based on Montessori ideas and helps folks with memory trouble stay active and involved. There's a strong focus here on helping people age in place, with wellness services that cover physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual needs, and with projects in the works to add Medicaid beds and a homecare program, the facility keeps finding ways to help neighbors stay at home in every sense of the word. The Village has a cozy feel, emphasizes kindness, and stands out for serving islanders who want to remain on San Juan while being cared for, and folks appreciate both the simple comforts and the special touches that reflect island life.